A review by liliesinmay
Shibumi by Trevanian

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It’s certainly a strange book. The style is great and I love satire when it’s well done, but the satire in Shibumi is almost overcooked. The distribution of the plot is similar to Steinbeck with the action rising and falling in like the last 70 pages. The themes get a little muddled and the absolute hatred of America gets a little annoying. A good portion of the book is just about spelunking, and I truly didn’t expect it to go on for as long as it did. Of course the social aspects in regards to race and gender are outdated, but that was to be expected. The two action scenes in what is marketed as a spy novel are very good and show just how Trevanian can weave elements together in a way that isn’t too expected and is entertaining. Sometimes the line is toed so delicately between satire and sincerity that it can be a little concerning, but for my own enjoyment I take it all as a lark.